What does veldt mean?
Veldt is a noun meaning open grassland or open country in southern Africa. It is especially associated with South Africa, where the related form veld is generally more familiar. The term evokes broad, often treeless plains where grass, shrubs, and scattered trees stretch toward the horizon. In descriptive and literary writing, veldt can indicate both the terrain and its atmosphere of openness, remoteness, and exposed space. A writer might describe a road crossing the veldt or a fire moving across dry grass. The word is less common in general international English than field, landscape, or grassland and is usually retained when the southern African setting matters. Veldt is therefore both a precise regional label and an evocative literary term for readers.
nounAn open stretch of grassland or open country in southern Africa, often treeless or only sparsely wooded.
- An open stretch of grassland or open country in southern Africa, typically treeless or sparsely wooded.
"After the rains, the veldt beyond the farm was carpeted with fresh green grass."
"A line of zebras crossed the broad veldt beneath the morning sun."
"The exhausted travelers reached shelter after traveling through the veldt all night."
The regular plural is rarely needed because veldt is usually used collectively for a landscape or region.
"The early explorers described several wide veldts as they traveled inland."
Ray Bradbury's eerie 1951 short story "The Veldt" transformed this southern African landscape into a lasting image of technological dystopia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veldt come from?
The English word comes from Afrikaans veld, which was inherited from Dutch veld, both meaning “field” or “open country.” Dutch veld, German Feld, and English field are related Germanic words descended from the same origin for open land. The English form veldt developed as a variant of the southern African term.
How veldt is actually used
Chiefly associated with southern Africa, particularly South Africa. The related form veld is generally more common in South African English, while veldt remains an established English variant and occurs in literary writing.
Easily confused with veldt
A veldt is an open grassland or landscape, whereas a belt is a strip or band of material worn around the waist.